Coleman Talks About Light Rail Request
Mayor Coleman sits down with NBC 4, talking candidly about his proposal for light rail.
COLUMBUS, Ohio —Mayor Michael Coleman requested $334.5 million last week from President-Elect Barack Obama’s economic stimulus package.
$200 million of that federal funding is earmarked for a 13-mile light rail system that would travel from downtown Columbus to the Delaware County line.
NBC 4 viewers sent emails and wrote comments about the multi-million-dollar projects. Some of those emails praised Coleman, saying, “The system has to start somewhere … a comprehensive system takes time and doesn’t come overnight.“
But others questioned the use of the funding writing, “The last thing this city needs is a light rail system. Who is going to ride this train?“
For a week, NBC 4 has been trying to take your questions to Coleman and Friday, he sat down with NBC 4‘s Mikaela Hunt for almost an hour—to give you answers.
“I felt it was important to at least ask or we shall not receive … and I don’t know if we’ll see a dime,“ Coleman said.
Coleman was very candid about his request for the light rail money.
The federal stimulus money is most readily available for infrastructure and “green” requests that invest in Columbus’ future.
“What makes our need for light rail in Columbus so great compared to some other things out there? Maybe if you could explain that to people who might wonder,“ Hunt asked.
“Well the future of our country—the future of our competitive cities or cities that are competitive—will be those that consider job creation, economy, environment, transportation,“ Coleman said.
Coleman said a light rail system could mean a potential 11,000 jobs in the Central Ohio area.
“If we get it, we’ll have a look at what the timeline will be. It won’t be next year. We won’t build tracks next year. There’s engineering studies and all that. But we have a good foundation on which to build,“ Coleman said.
He understands the hesitation of some Central Ohioans about the project.
“I know people are going to have to talk about it, get used to it, have a community discussion,“ he said. “If Columbus is left behind, we’ll be a system far worse off than we are today.“
Stay with NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail us at
.
NBC 4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video
MORE: NBC 4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC 4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
Advertisement
Reader Reactions
Another complaint I have with the huge waste of money this rail system is did anyone check and see if Deleware County citizens mind having our local drunks and gang members dropped off at their county line? For God sakes most people would rather walk then ride our COTA bus system due to the numerous assaults and vagrants that ride that system harassing the riders. But then there is a problem there will be no police “BECAUSE YOU CHOSE A LIGHT RAIL SYSTEM OVER THEM!!“. You need to ask President Obama to bail you out of your alleged $13,000,000 debt so you can pay your police, fire, sanitation, and open your recreation centers so you don’t have a bigger crime issue due to these kids turning to gangs and not to the centers.
I am all for job creation, however, spending more (of taxpayer) money for lite rail doesn’t make sense.
If someone is on the verge of bankruptcy, is spending more money a wise choice - would a financial advisor recommend this? People need to wake up - we are being SPENT down the river…
Our government needs to go back to Economics class 101!!
Are you kidding me??? Yesterday the mayor said we are $13,000,000 in debt and police and fire need to give up their raises. Well thats a BRIGHT IDEA!! Forget about the people that protect you and the citizens you represent for a light rail system. Hey I got news for you, that light rail system is just going to be a place for our citizens and visitors to get robbed if you decide to lay off police. I hope someone writes a letter to President Obama and lets him know of the poor decisions being made by our administration before he gives up money for a rail system.
You’ve GOT to be kidding me! We’re deep in the middle of a recession, he’s talking about city employees not only taking pay cuts but also not to ask for a raise or risk loosing their jobs, yet this fool STILL wants to build a light rail system? How about HE fund it from his OWN pocket.
Well, that’s politicians for you. They have NO CLUE what they’re doing. They like to pretend that they do just to make themselves look good in the eyes of the public.
Hey, Coleman! Take off your rose colored glasses, pal and take a look at the REAL world for a change. I don’t know what planet you hide out on, but here on Earth things are tough for everybody. Building a rail system is NOT what the city needs, especially right now.
Advertisement